County’s Energy Assistance program fully funded

Office will open Monday for new appointments

Nov 15, 2012

The Snohomish County Energy Assistance Program has received full funding for the 2013 heating season and will re‐open at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19. This program provides assistance with heating bills for income‐eligible households that qualify.

Assistance is provided for all types of heat, including electric, natural gas, oil, propane and wood.

For qualifying households, heat assistance grants range from $25 to $1,000, depending on household income, number of persons in the household, size of the heating bill, and type of housing.

The grants provide assistance one time per heating season.

“Our energy assistance program is one way that we can assist those in times of need,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “Receiving full funding at the start of the program allows us to better serve those in crisis as well as those who just need a lift during a difficult time.”

To qualify, households must meet the program’s income guidelines. For example, a household of one person must have income below $1,164 per month; two people ‐ $1,576 per month; three people ‐ $1,989; and four people ‐ $2,401 per month.

Applicants are asked to phone ahead for an appointment. However, those who are out of fuel or who are shut off may walk into the county’s Energy Assistance Office at 3000 Rockefeller (in the lower level of the Robert Drewel Building) and will be seen on a first‐come, first‐served, space available basis.

Applicants will be asked to provide a number of documents including, but not limited to, a copy of their most recent heating utility bill, proof of income from all household members for the three months prior to application, as well as copies of social security cards for all household members.

The program offices are open 8 a.m.‐Noon and 1–5 p.m., Monday‐Friday, excluding holidays.

The telephone lines are staffed from 9 a.m.‐Noon and 1‐4:30 p.m. Those interested in the program that are not in immediate danger of shut‐off are encouraged to wait several days after the opening date due to high call volumes.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 425‐388‐3880.